A Surprise Christmas Wedding - Phillipa Ashley Page 0,77
on time, but without Keegan. His quiff was askew, and he was red in the face.
‘Keegan’s at the hairdresser’s having her highlights done or something. I told her it was cutting it fine but she wanted this celebrity stylist woman. Apparently, this woman cut some famous actress’s hair for her wedding. It was the only day this bloody woman could fit her in.’
‘Where’s the salon?’ Lottie asked.
‘Cartmel. It’s in a posh hotel. The one with the Michelin star.’
‘Wow. That’s a long journey to make …’
‘I told her it was bloody miles away but she set off at six a.m. She should be on her way now. I just hope my sister turns up. She’s about as reliable as the weather.’
A few minutes later, as if to prove him wrong, Lottie saw Alicia Moran jump out of a battered Toyota truck outside the house and stride up the steps straight into the vestibule, leaving a trail of mud from her boots. She ran a riding school a couple of miles from Firholme and had clearly come straight from the stables because she was in jodhpurs, boots and a padded jacket that had a strong whiff of horse about it. Although Connor had assured Lottie that Alicia was sworn to secrecy about their previous relationship, Lottie’s stomach had been churning for the past hour. Outspoken and funny, Alicia was the life and soul of any family gathering, but diplomacy was definitely not her strong point.
‘Hello again! Fancy seeing you here,’ she declared, giving Lottie a hug.
‘For God’s sake, Alicia. Keegan might have seen you,’ Connor complained.
‘But she hasn’t and anyway, I thought you told me she already knows we know Lottie.’
‘Only as acquaintances,’ Connor said. ‘Not on hugging terms.’
‘Sorry.’ Alicia didn’t look sorry at all. ‘Where is Keegan anyway?’
‘At the hairdressers in Cartmel.’
‘Cartmel!’ Alicia burst out laughing. ‘That’s hours away. What’s wrong with the local salon in Keswick?’
Connor swore. ‘It’s her wedding, Alicia, what do you expect?’
‘Would you like to meet the photographer?’ Lottie said hastily, feeling the tension between Connor and Alicia who didn’t get on at the best of times.
When she opened the doors into the ballroom, Alicia’s eyes widened like saucers. ‘Bloody hell, this is like Buckingham Palace compared to how it used to be. I remember Mum used to bring us for tea sometimes. It’s a fantastic setting but I always thought the hotel itself was a bit run-down and fogeyish. Bugger me, but it’s like a totally different place now.’
Meanwhile Connor paced the other side of the ballroom, his phone clamped to his ear. His face fell and he let out a groan of frustration. Lottie could tell he was talking to Keegan and imagined she could hear faint squeaks from the mobile.
Lottie knew the photographer from previous weddings they’d worked on together.
‘OK. Calm down. I’m sure they can fix it. Don’t leave until you’re satisfied … Tell them we’ll sue if you’re not happy! OK. OK, nutkin. I’ll try and sort it out.’
‘Nutkin?’ Alicia made a barfing action behind Connor’s back.
‘OK. I’ll sort it. I’ll try to delay him.’ He held the phone away from his ear. ‘Babe, calm down. If you really can’t make it, I’ll call it off.’
The photographer took Lottie aside. ‘I hate to make a fuss but is the bride planning to come? I’ve got a shoot at the Grasmere hotel and I can’t leave it much longer.’
Connor shoved his mobile in his jacket pocket and strode over. ‘Keegan’s having a bit of a mare at the hairdresser’s. Apparently she says the colour makes her look like Marge Simpson and she’s got to stay to have it redone.’
Alicia sputtered but Lottie had a horrible vision of Keegan turning apoplectic in the salon and throwing hairbrushes at the stylist.
‘Oh no. How frustrating for her. I’m so sorry. She won’t be able to make it, then?’
‘You’re telling me.’ He turned to Alok. ‘I’m sorry, it’s all off, mate, unless you can hang around for an hour or so. I’d appreciate it.’
‘I’d love to but I’ve another appointment in Grasmere. I can’t cancel that at this stage.’
‘Jesus.’ Connor shoved his hands through his hair. ‘I suppose it can’t be helped. I presume you’ll deduct the cost of this run-through from the wedding package?’
‘Well I’ve still had to spend the time here, Mr Moran …’ Lottie thought Alok was showing admirable restraint.
‘You mean, you’ll still charge us even though you haven’t actually taken any photographs?’
‘I’ll have to charge something to cover my time and travel costs.’